CN105209839B - Modified hose flushing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerant recovery system includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charge path, a flush path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store a refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to deliver refrigerant to the refrigeration system to recharge the refrigeration system with refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path includes first and second service couplings and first and second service hoses. The service hoses are respectively in fluid communication with the service couplings. The flushing path is configured to receive a flow of refrigerant for flushing the refrigerant charge path, the flushing path including a first flushing coupling and a second flushing coupling. A processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to provide a flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant storage unit through the refrigerant charge path and to the flush path.

Description

Modified hose flushing device and method

technical field

The present invention generally relates to a refrigerant recovery unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved hose flush path and method for a refrigerant recovery unit.

Background technique

Mobile refrigerant recovery units or refrigerant recovery carts are used in maintenance and repair of refrigeration systems such as air conditioning systems of vehicles. The refrigerant recovery unit is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system to recover refrigerant from the system, separate oil and impurities from the refrigerant to recycle the refrigerant, and recharge the system with additional refrigerant.

Newer refrigeration systems generally use newer types of refrigerants and older systems generally use older types of refrigerants. Unfortunately, these newer and older refrigerants are generally incompatible, and further, the corresponding oils are also incompatible. Thus, the refrigerant recovery unit needs to be completely flushed before transitioning from filling the refrigeration system with one type of refrigerant to filling the refrigeration system with another type of refrigerant. However, since it is difficult to flush the oil out of the service hose, the flushing process is time consuming and can lead to contamination of the refrigeration system.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method that overcomes, at least in part, the disadvantages described herein.

Contents of the invention

The foregoing needs are largely met by the present invention, which in one aspect provides an improved flushing apparatus and method for a refrigerant recovery unit.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a refrigerant recovery system. The refrigerant recovery system includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charging path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to deliver refrigerant to the refrigeration system for recharging the refrigeration system with refrigerant. The refrigerant charging path includes a first maintenance coupling, a first maintenance hose, a second maintenance coupling and a second maintenance hose. The first service coupling is provided at the high side of the refrigerant charge path. The first maintenance hose is in fluid communication with the first maintenance coupling. The second maintenance coupling is provided at the low side of the refrigerant charge path. A second service hose is in fluid communication with the second service coupling. The flush path is configured to receive refrigerant flow for flushing the refrigerant charge path. The flush path includes a first flush coupling and a second flush coupling. The first flush coupling is in fluid communication with the first service hose. The second flush coupling is in fluid communication with the second service hose. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to provide refrigerant flow from the storage unit through the refrigerant charge path and to the flush path. The memory is used to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery system.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerant recovery unit. The refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charging path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to deliver refrigerant to the refrigeration system for recharging the refrigeration system with refrigerant. The refrigerant charging path includes a first maintenance coupling and a second maintenance coupling. The first service coupling is provided at the high side of the refrigerant charging path. The second maintenance coupling is provided at the low side of the refrigerant charge path. The flush path is configured to receive refrigerant flow for flushing the refrigerant charge path. The flush path includes a first flush coupling and a second flush coupling. The first flush coupling is in fluid communication with the first maintenance coupling. The second flush coupling is in fluid communication with the second service coupling. The processor is configured to control the refrigerant recovery unit to provide refrigerant flow from the storage unit through the refrigerant charge path and to the flush path. The memory is used to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerant recovery unit. The refrigerant recovery unit includes a refrigerant storage unit, a refrigerant charging path, a flushing path, a processor, and a memory. The refrigerant storage unit is configured to store refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path is configured to deliver refrigerant to the refrigeration system for recharging the refrigeration system with refrigerant. The refrigerant charge path includes a single controllable valve, a first service coupling and a second service coupling. A single controllable valve is provided between the refrigerant storage unit and the refrigerant charging path. The first service coupling is provided at the high side of the refrigerant charging path. The second maintenance coupling is provided at the low side of the refrigerant charge path. The flush path is configured to receive refrigerant flow for flushing the refrigerant charge path. The flush path includes a first flush coupling and a second flush coupling. The first flush coupling is in fluid communication with the first maintenance coupling. The second flush coupling is in fluid communication with the second service coupling. The processor is configured to control a single controllable valve to provide refrigerant flow from the storage unit through the refrigerant charge path and to the flush path. The memory is used to store diagnostic software and operating software to operate the refrigerant recovery unit.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of flushing a refrigerant recovery system. In the method, a refrigerant charge path is fluidly connected to a first service hose. Fluidly connect the refrigerant charge path to the second service hose. A first service hose is fluidly connected to the first flush coupling of the flush path. A second service hose is fluidly connected to the second flush coupling of the flush path. A processor controls a valve in the refrigerant recovery system to provide refrigerant flow for flushing the charge path, the first service hose, and the second service hose. Collect refrigerant from the flush path into the refrigerant recovery system.

Thus, some aspects of the present invention have been outlined rather than broadly described in order to better understand the detailed description herein and to better appreciate the contribution of the present invention to the prior art. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

In this regard, before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of parts set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. . The invention can be practiced and carried out in various ways besides the described embodiments. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the Abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is therefore important that the claims be construed to include such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerant recovery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing components of the refrigerant recovery unit shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a control system for the refrigerant recovery unit of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing components suitable for use with the refrigerant recovery unit shown in FIG. 1 and a modified flushing path.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing other components and a modified flushing path suitable for use with the refrigerant recovery unit shown in FIG. 1 .

detailed description

According to various embodiments described herein, a refrigerant recovery unit that facilitates maintenance of a refrigeration system is provided. As used herein, the term "maintenance" refers to any suitable process performed on a refrigeration system or air conditioning system, such as recovering refrigerant, recharging refrigerant into a refrigeration system, testing refrigerant, leak testing of a refrigeration system , recycling lubricants, changing lubricants, and similar processes. One embodiment of the refrigerant recovery unit disclosed herein can be used to improve the flushing of service hoses and refrigeration recovery units used in air conditioning systems or other refrigeration systems. In this or other embodiments, the refrigerant recovery unit described herein achieves improved flushing of the service hose by providing a flush port to the service hose and controlling the refrigerant recovery unit to introduce an improved flushing process. This improved flushing process is particularly beneficial when transitioning from filling a refrigeration system with one refrigerant to filling a refrigeration system with another. For this, the different refrigerants used in air conditioning systems are not compatible, and neither are their respective oils or lubricants. During maintenance, refrigerant and lubricant from the air conditioning system come into contact with and adhere to the inside of maintenance hoses and components of the refrigerant recovery unit. If the refrigerant and lubricant are not removed, it may contaminate subsequent refrigeration systems with different refrigerant and/or lubricant.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant recovery system 10 includes a refrigerant recovery unit 100 and a communication cable 12 with a joint 14 . Connector 14 is configured to comply with any suitable communication standard or protocol. Examples of suitable communication standards include On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and OBD II, J1850 (Variable Pulse Width (VPW) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9141-2 signals, Communications Collision Detection (CCD ) (such as Chrysler collision detection), data communication link (DCL), serial communication interface (SCI), controller area network (CAN), Keyword 2000 (ISO 14230-4), OBD II or other communication protocols. According to various embodiments, connector 14 is configured to communicate any suitable data/command control information.

As also shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant recovery system 10 optionally includes a pair of maintenance hoses 30 and 32 each having a maintenance coupling 34 and 36 respectively to connect the refrigerant recovery unit 100 to the refrigeration system (shown in Figure 2). In various embodiments, the refrigeration system may be a stand-alone unit and/or disposed within a vehicle, device, appliance, structure, or the like. The vehicle may be any suitable vehicle, such as an automobile, train, airplane, boat, steamer, and the like. Suitable devices or appliances may include, for example, air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, ice makers, refrigerator/freezers, beverage dispensers, ice cream makers, or similar machines.

The refrigerant recovery unit 100 includes a pair of flush couplings 40 and 42 . As described herein, flush couplings 40 and 42 are configured to cooperate with service couplings 34 and 36 to fluidly connect service hoses 30 and 32 to a vacuum source. In use, the flush couplings 40 and 42 complete a flush circuit from the refrigerant recovery unit 100 via the service hoses 30 and 32 and back to the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . The flushing circuit will be described in detail herein.

Refrigerant recovery unit 100 may be from Owatonna, MN (Service Solutions US,. LLC) the ^AC1234TM . The refrigerant recovery unit 100 includes a compartment 102 to house the components of the unit (see FIG. 2 ). Chamber 102 may be made of any suitable material such as thermoplastic, steel and the like.

The compartment 102 includes a control panel 104 that allows a user to operate the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . The control panel 104 may be part of the cabin as shown in FIG. 1 or may be separate from the cabin. The control panel 104 includes a high pressure gauge 106 and a low pressure gauge 108 . In this specification, the terms "high" and "low" generally refer to the high and low pressure sides of a refrigeration system, respectively. Pressure gauges can be analog or digital. The control panel 104 has a display screen 110 to provide information to the user. The information may include, for example, the operating status of the refrigerant recovery unit 100 or provide messages or menus to the user. The control panel 104 may include indicators 112 to indicate to the user the operational status of the refrigerant recovery unit 100, the progress of the flushing operation, and the like. If included, indicator 112 may also include a light emitting diode (LED) or similar component that, when activated, indicates that refrigerant recovery unit 100 is in recovery mode, recirculation mode, or recharge mode. , or to indicate that the filter needs to be replaced or is malfunctioning.

According to an embodiment, the control panel 104 includes a user interface 114 to provide an interface for a user to interact and operate the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . User interface 114 may include any suitable interface, such as a numeric directional pad, directional arrows, function keys, a pressure- or touch-sensitive display screen, and the like. Optionally, a printer 116 is provided to print information such as test results.

The compartment 102 also includes a pair of service couplings 124 , 128 that connect the service hoses 30 , 32 to the refrigerant recovery unit 100 , respectively. As also shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle connection interface 130 is provided such that the communication cable 12 can be connected from the vehicle connection interface 130 to a data link connection (not shown in FIG. 1 ) in the vehicle. This allows the refrigerant recovery unit 100 to communicate with the vehicle and access various controllers in the vehicle and/or diagnose anything with the vehicle and its subsystems. To enable the refrigerant recovery unit 100 to move, one or more wheels 120 are provided at the bottom of the compartment 102 .

During maintenance of refrigeration system 200 (shown in FIG. 2 ), service hoses 30 and 32 are typically connected to refrigeration system 200 and coupling 14 is typically connected to a controller associated with refrigeration system 200 . In operation, the refrigerant recovery system 10 is used to collect refrigerant from the refrigeration system 200 . For example, one or both of service hoses 30 and 32 may be connected to refrigeration system 200, and refrigerant recovery system 10 is configured to receive or extract refrigerant from refrigeration system 200 and then condense the refrigerant recovered from refrigeration system 200. . Refrigeration system 200 may be recharged once refrigerant has been recovered from the refrigeration system. For example, one or both of service hoses 30 and 32 may be used to transfer a suitable amount of a suitable refrigerant from refrigerant recovery system 10 to refrigeration system 200 .

Prior to the refill process, service hoses 30 and 32 may be disconnected from refrigeration system 200 and then connected to flush couplings 40 and 42 . More particularly, service coupling 34 is coupled to flush coupling 40 and/or service coupling 36 is coupled to flush coupling 42 . In one example, the maintenance couplings 34 and 36 are respectively coupled to one of the flushing couplings 40 and 42 so that the maintenance hoses 30 and 32 can be flushed simultaneously. In other examples, one or the other of maintenance couplings 34 and 36 is coupled to one of flush couplings 40 and 42 such that maintenance hoses 30 and 32 can selectively flush one at a time. It should be noted that, in general, the "high" side maintenance coupling and the "low" side maintenance coupling are not interchangeable. Functionally, however, the service coupling 34 may be coupled to the flush coupling 40 or 42 and the service coupling 36 may be coupled to the flush coupling 40 or 42 .

FIG. 2 illustrates components of the refrigerant recovery system 10 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In general, the refrigerant recovery system 10 is configured to facilitate testing, removal, and recharging of refrigerant and/or lubricant in the refrigeration system 200 . In addition, the refrigerant recovery system 10 may be configured to purify some types of impurities from the refrigerant recovered from the refrigeration system 200 . Further, the refrigerant recovery system 10 is configured to flush refrigerant and/or lubricant from the service hoses 30 and 32 and the internal working components of the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . More particularly, embodiments described herein facilitate flushing procedures that may be performed more quickly, reduce cross-contamination of high-side and low-side components, and/or have similar advantages.

In this or other embodiments, refrigerant recovery system 10 may be flushed before and/or after maintenance of refrigeration system 200 . In this manner, contamination of refrigeration system 200 and/or other refrigeration systems maintained by refrigerant recovery system 10 may be reduced. In the particular example illustrated, refrigerant recovery system 10 is configured to perform a flush cycle. More specifically, service hoses 30 and 32 are shown fluidly connecting service couplings 124 and 128 to flush couplings 40 and 42 .

In preparation for initiating a flush cycle, an air intake valve (not shown) is opened to allow vacuum pump 258 to begin exhausting air. The air intake valve is then closed and the flush cycle begins by opening valve 296 leading to the input of vacuum pump 258 . Service hoses 30 and 32 and the lines leading to service hoses 30 and 32 are then vented by opening valve 296, allowing vacuum pump 258 to vent any remaining traces of gas to a pressure of approximately, for example, 29 inches of mercury . When this pressure value occurs, as detected by a plurality of selective pressure transducers 231 and 232, the controller 216 is configured to read from the pressure transducers 231 and 232 in a wired or wireless connection. receive signal. In response, controller 216 is configured to open charge valves 298 and 299 to allow refrigerant at a pressure of approximately 70 psi or higher in storage tank 212 to flow through and to service hoses 30 and 32 . pipeline. Flow through fill valves 298 and 299 occurs for a predetermined flush duration preset to provide a thorough flush to service hoses 30 and 32 and the lines leading to service hoses 30 and 32 . Any lubricant present in the flushed refrigerant is removed by system oil separator 262 and deposited in reservoir 257 through valve 293 . The flushed refrigerant is dried by filter/dryer 264 , compressed by compressor 256 , condensed by heat exchanger 291 , and returned to storage tank 212 . The storage tank 212 may be placed on a scale (not shown) that measures the weight of refrigerant in the storage tank 212 . The storage tank 212 is configured to store refrigerant that has been filtered, dehydrated, and lubricating substances have been removed by other various components of the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . As such, the refrigerant in storage tank 212 is substantially free of water and/or lubricant. In this specification, the expression "substantially free of water and/or lubricant" means that any lubricant or water present has been largely removed. For example, the refrigerant may have about 99% to 99.99% pure refrigerant and less than 0.01 to 1% lubricant and/or water in total.

Prior to recovering refrigerant from the refrigerant system 200, the service hoses 30 and 32 are coupled to the vehicle's refrigeration system 200 via couplings 226 (high side) and 230 (low side), respectively. The couplings are designed to be closed until they are coupled to the refrigerant system 200 .

The recovery cycle is initiated by opening high pressure solenoid valve 276 and low pressure solenoid valve 278, respectively. This allows refrigerant within the vehicle's refrigeration system 200 to flow through recovery valve 280 and check valve 282 . Refrigerant flows from check valve 282 into system oil separator 262 where it travels through filter/dryer 264 to the input of compressor 256 . Refrigerant is drawn by compressor 256 through normal discharge solenoid valve 284 and through compressor oil separator 286 which circulates oil back into compressor 256 through oil return valve 288 . The refrigerant recovery unit 100 may include a high pressure switch 290 in communication with the controller 216 preset to determine an upper pressure limit, eg, 435 psi, to selectively shut down the compressor 256 to protect the compressor 256 from excessive pressure. The controller 216 may also be, for example, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller 216 controls various valves and other components (eg, vacuum pump, compressor) of the refrigerant recovery unit 100 through a wired or wireless connection (not shown). In some embodiments of the invention, either or both of the electronic solenoid valves or electrically activated valves may be connected and controlled by the controller 216 .

High side purge solenoid valve 323 may be selectively coupled to the output of compressor 256 to release recovered refrigerant delivered from compressor 256 directly into storage tank 212 without a path through normal discharge solenoid valve 284 .

The high temperature compressed refrigerant exits the oil separator 286 and then travels through a pipe loop or heat exchanger 291 for cooling or condensation. As the high temperature refrigerant flows through heat exchanger 291 , the high temperature refrigerant releases heat to the low temperature refrigerant in system oil separator 262 and helps maintain the temperature in system oil separator 262 within an operating range. Coupled to system oil separator 262 is a switch or transducer 292, such as a low pressure switch or pressure transducer that senses pressure information and provides an output signal to controller 216 through a suitable interface circuit preset to It is detected when the pressure of the recovered refrigerant drops to, for example, 13 inches of mercury. Oil separator drain valve 293 drains recovered oil into container 257 . Finally, recovered refrigerant flows through normal discharge check valve 294 and into storage tank 212 .

The evacuation cycle may be initiated by opening high pressure solenoid valve 276 and low pressure solenoid valve 278 leading to the input of vacuum pump 258 and valve 296 . Prior to opening valve 296, an air intake valve (not shown) is opened to allow vacuum pump 258 to begin exhausting air. The vehicle's refrigerant system 200 is then evacuated by closing the air intake valve and opening valve 296, allowing vacuum pump 258 to expel any remaining traces of gas to a pressure of approximately, eg, 29 inches of mercury. This pressure value, when present, is sensed by pressure transducers 231 and 232 selectively coupled to the high side 226 and low side 230 of the vehicle's refrigeration system 200 and to the controller 216 When present, the controller 216 de-energizes the valve 296 and this initiates a refill cycle.

A recharge cycle is initiated by opening charge valve 298 to allow refrigerant at a pressure of approximately 70 psi or greater in storage tank 212 to flow through the high side of the vehicle's refrigeration system 200 . This flow passes through charge valve 298 for a period of time preset to provide a complete charge of refrigerant to the vehicle. Optionally, fill valve 299 may be opened to fill the low side. Charge valve 299 may be opened alone or in conjunction with charge valve 298 to charge the vehicle's refrigerant system 200 . The storage tank 212 may be provided on a weighing device (not shown) that measures the weight of the refrigerant in the storage tank. In one embodiment, the flush cycle described herein is performed to clean the service hoses 30 and 32 and the lines leading from the service hoses 30 and 32 after a refill cycle.

Other components shown in FIG. 2 include an oil injection circuit having an oil injection valve 202 and an oil injection hose or line 211 . The oil injection hose 211 is an example of a fluid transport structure that transports oil to the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . Oil injection hose 211 may be a length of hose or multiple lengths of hose or tubing or any other suitable structure for transporting fluid. The oil injection hose 211 is connected to the oil injection bottle 214 at one end and coupled to the refrigerant circuit in the refrigerant recovery unit 100 at the other end. Disposed along the length of the oil injection hose 211 is an oil injection valve 202 and an oil check valve 204 . The oil injection path extends from the oil injection bottle 214 , through the oil injection solenoid valve 202 , to the connection to the high side charge line and to the vehicle's refrigerant system 200 .

2 also shows a vacuum pump oil drain circuit 250 including a vacuum pump oil drain valve 252 positioned along a vacuum pump oil drain line 254 that connects a vacuum pump oil drain outlet 259 to a Drain the container 257 of the vacuum pump oil. Vacuum pump oil drain valve 252 may be an electronically activated solenoid valve controlled by controller 216 . The connection may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. In other embodiments, valve 252 may be a manually activated valve and may be manually actuated by a user. Conduit 254 may be a flexible hose or any other suitable conduit for providing fluid communication between outlet 259 and container 257 .

FIG. 2 also shows an air purge device 308 . The air purge device 308 allows the refrigerant recovery unit 100 to purge non-condensable gases such as air. Air bled from refrigerant recovery unit 100 may exit storage tank 212 through orifice 312 , through purge valve 314 and through air distributor 316 . In some embodiments, the orifice may be 0.028 inches. Pressure transducer 310 may measure the pressure within storage tank 212 and deflation device 308 . Pressure transducer 310 may send pressure information to controller 216 . Based on this pressure information, the controller 216 may initiate deflation if the pressure is determined to be too high, as calculated by the controller. Valve 314 may be selectively actuated to allow or not allow deflation device 308 to open to ambient conditions. A temperature sensor 317 may be coupled to the main tank to measure the temperature of the refrigerant within the main tank. The temperature sensor 317 may be placed anywhere on the tank, or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be placed within the refrigerant line 322 . The measured temperature and pressure can be used to calculate the ideal vapor pressure for that type of refrigerant used by the refrigerant recovery unit. The ideal vapor pressure can be used to determine when the non-condensable gases need to be vented and how much to make the refrigerant recovery unit work properly.

A high side purge valve 318 may be used to purge a portion of the high side of the system. High side purge valve 318 may include valve 323 and check valve 320 . Valve 323 may be a solenoid valve. Valve 323 is opened when it is desired to clean the part of the high side. Operation of compressor 256 will drive refrigerant out of the high pressure side through valves 323 and 320 and into storage tank 212 . During this process, the normal discharge valve 284 may be closed.

A deep recovery valve 324 is provided to aid in the deep recovery of refrigerant. When most of the refrigerant from refrigerant system 200 has entered refrigerant recovery unit 100 , the remaining refrigerant can be drawn out of refrigerant system 200 by opening deep recovery valve 324 and turning on vacuum pump 258 .

In another embodiment, to charge the refrigerant system 200, the power charge valve 326 may be opened and the tank filling structure 332 may be used. Alternatively or additionally, tank filling structure 332 may also be used to fill storage tank 212 . To obtain refrigerant from a refrigerant source, refrigerant recovery unit 100 may include tank fill structure 332 , and valves 328 and 330 . Tank fill structure 332 may be configured to attach to a refrigerant source. Valve 330 may be a solenoid valve and valve 328 may be a check valve. In other embodiments, valve 330 may be a manually operated valve.

When it is desired to allow refrigerant to enter the refrigerant recovery unit 100 from the refrigerant source, the tank fill structure 332 is attached to the refrigerant source and the tank fill valve 330 is opened. Check valve 328 prevents refrigerant from refrigerant recovery unit 100 from flowing out of refrigerant recovery unit 100 through tank fill structure 332 . When the tank fill structure 332 is not connected to a refrigerant source, the tank fill valve 330 remains closed. Tank fill valve 330 may be connected to and controlled by controller 216 .

The tank fill structure 332 may be configured to sit on a weighing device 334 configured to weigh the tank fill structure 332 to determine the amount of refrigerant stored in the tank fill structure 332 . A weighing device 334 may be operatively coupled to the controller 216 and provide the controller 216 with a measurement of the weight of the tank fill structure 332 . Controller 216 may cause the weight of tank fill structure 332 to be displayed on display screen 110 .

Some aspects of the refrigerant recovery unit 100 may be performed by the control system 400, utilizing software, or a combination of software and hardware. In one variation, aspects of the invention may be directed to a control system 400 capable of performing the functions described herein. An example of such a control system 400 is shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating some aspects of the control system 400 of the refrigerant recovery system 10 of FIG. 1 . Control system 400 may be integrated with controller 216 to, for example, allow automation of the reclamation, emptying, and filling processes and/or independent manual control of each of one or more processes. In one embodiment, the control system 400 allows the refrigerant recovery unit to communicate and diagnose directly with the vehicle being serviced. In another embodiment, the control system 400 allows communication with a diagnostic tool, such as a vehicle communication interface (VCI), coupled to the vehicle being serviced. It should be understood that the VCI does not have to be coupled to the vehicle to enable the vehicle to communicate with the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . This allows the refrigerant recovery unit 100 to receive information from the vehicle, such as VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), make, make, model, and odometer information, and to receive vehicle sensor data related to HVAC sensors and systems on the vehicle . Data may include A/C and HVAC system sensor readings, A/C and HVAC related diagnostic trouble codes, system pressures, and interactive tests like tests of various components such as fan controls. All these data and information will be displayed on the display screen 110 of the refrigerant recovery unit 100 . Menu selections, diagnostic trouble codes and interactive tests can be displayed and some can be performed using the refrigerant recovery unit.

Control system 400 may also provide access to a configurable database of vehicle information whereby, for example, vehicle-specific specifications may be used to provide accurate control and maintenance of the functions described herein. The control system 400 may include a processor 402 connected to a communication infrastructure 404 (eg, a communication bus, a cross-over bar, or a network). The various software and hardware features described herein are described at the level of an exemplary control system. Those skilled in the relevant art(s) will recognize that other computer-related systems and/or architectures may be used to implement some aspects of the invention.

Control system 400 may include a display interface 406 that communicates graphics, text, and other data for display on display screen 110 via communications infrastructure 404 , eg, from memory and/or user interface 114 . The communication infrastructure 404 may, for example, include wires for the transmission of electrical, acoustic, and/or fiber optic signals between the various components of the control system and/or other means, including wireless, for providing communication between the various components of the control system. known means. Control system 400 may include main memory 408 , random access memory (RAM), and also include secondary memory 410 . The second memory 410 may include a hard drive 412 or other device for allowing computer programs including diagnostic databases (DTC information and repair and diagnostic information) or other instructions and/or data to be loaded into and/or downloaded from the control system 400 400 sent. Such other devices may include an interface 414 and a removable storage unit 416 including, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, as well as USB storage devices, cartridges, and cartridge interfaces (as in video game devices). ), removable memory chips (such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or programmable read-only memory (PROM)) and associated sockets, and other removable memory units 416 .

The control system 400 may also include a communication interface 420 for allowing software and data to be transferred between the control system 400 and external devices. Examples of communication interfaces include modems, network interfaces (such as Ethernet cards), communication ports, wireless transmitters and receivers, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Infrared, Cellular, Satellite, Personal Computer Card International Association (PCMCIA) slots and cards, etc.

The control system 400 also includes various communication protocols such as J1850 (VPM and PWM), ISO9141-2 signals, communication collision detection (CCD) (such as Chrysler collision detection), data communication link (DCL), serial communication interface (SCI ), Controller Area Network (CAN), Keyword2000 (ISO14230-4), OBD II or other communication protocols implemented in the vehicle are necessary transceivers and signal converters to communicate with the vehicle electronic control unit. This allows the refrigerant recovery unit to communicate directly with the vehicle in the absence of a VCI (eg directly connected to the vehicle) or when the VCI is simply used as a conduit.

Software programs (also referred to as computer control logic) may be stored in main memory 408 and/or secondary memory 410 . Software programs may also be received through communication interface 420 . Such a software program, when executed, enables the control system 400 to perform the features of the present invention as described herein. In particular, the software program, when executed, enables the processor 402 to perform the features of the present invention. Thus, such a software program may represent a controller that controls system 400 .

In variations where the invention is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into control system 400 using hard drive 412 , removable storage drive 416 , and/or communication interface 420 . Control logic (software), when executed by processor 402, causes controller 216, for example, to perform some of the functions of the present invention as described herein. In yet another variation, some aspects of the invention may be implemented primarily in hardware, eg, using hardware components such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Implementing a hardware state machine to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing components and a flush path 432 suitable for use with the refrigerant recovery system 10 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is similar to the schematic representation of FIG. 2 and thus, for the sake of brevity, those components already explained in FIG. 2 will not be explained with reference to FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the flow of refrigerant flows from the refrigerant supply (eg, storage tank 212 ), through a number of piping and maintenance hoses 30 and 32 , and to a compressed suction device (eg, vacuum pump 258 ). In this manner, refrigerant and lubricant from a refrigeration system being serviced, such as refrigeration system 200 , are not drawn back through a portion of charge path 430 . The prevention of refrigerant and lubricant being withdrawn from the refrigeration system 200 being serviced through the charging path 430 is advantageous due to the possible presence of impurities (such as water) and lubricant from the refrigerant from the refrigeration system 200 . These impurities and lubricants are relatively difficult to clean out of the lines, so it is best to flush them out of the refrigerant recovery system 10 directly rather than flushing the high side line through the low side line or via the high side line as conventional systems do. The side line flushes the low side line. The refrigerant used to flush the lines in this example has been dehydrated, filtered and delubricated. Thus, flushing the refrigerant can remove lubricant and any impurities from the lines and service hoses 30 and 32 . After the flushing process, charge valves 298 and 299 may be closed and the refrigerant used to flush lines and service hoses 30 and 32 may be removed by compressor 256 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing other components and a flush path 432 suitable for use with the refrigerant recovery system 10 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 5 is similar to the schematic representation of FIGS. 2 and 4 and therefore, for the sake of brevity, those components already explained in FIGS. 2 and 4 are not explained with reference to FIG. 5 . As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerant recovery system 10 has been simplified to reduce the number of valves. Specifically, charging valve 298 , high pressure solenoid valve 276 , and low pressure solenoid valve 278 are omitted to reduce the complexity and/or cost of refrigerant recovery system 10 .

In this example, the flow of refrigerant flows from a refrigerant supply (such as storage tank 212 ), through charge valve 299 and through piping and service hoses 30 and 32 to a compression suction device (such as compressor 256 ). . After the flushing process, the charge valve 299 may be closed and the refrigerant used to flush the lines and service hoses 30 and 32 may be removed by the vacuum pump 258 .

It will be appreciated that any feature described in relation to any one aspect may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and also in combination with one or more features of any other aspect disclosed, Or used in any combination with any other aspect disclosed.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the foregoing detailed description, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents shall be fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

1. a kind of refrigerant recovery system, the refrigerant recovery system includes：

Refrigerant storage unit, the refrigerant storage unit are configured to store refrigerant；

Refrigerant fills path, and the refrigerant fills path configuration into refrigerant transfer to refrigeration system is described to refill Refrigeration system, the refrigerant filling path include：

First safeguards couplings, and described first safeguards that couplings are arranged at the high side in the refrigerant filling path；

First safeguards flexible pipe, and described first safeguards that flexible pipe safeguards that couplings are in fluid communication with described first；

Second safeguards couplings, and described second safeguards that couplings are arranged at the downside in the refrigerant filling path；And

Second safeguards flexible pipe, and described second safeguards that flexible pipe safeguards that couplings are in fluid communication with described second；

Flush path, the flush path are configured to receive the refrigerant flowing for being used for washing away the refrigerant filling path, institute Stating flush path includes：

First washes away couplings, and described first washes away couplings safeguards that flexible pipe is in fluid communication with described first；And

Second washes away couplings, and described second washes away couplings safeguards that flexible pipe is in fluid communication with described second；

Processor, the processor are configured to control the refrigerant recovery system to pass through to provide from the refrigerant storage unit Cross refrigerant filling path and reach the refrigerant flowing of the flush path, wherein, described first wash away couplings and Described second washes away couplings and vacuum fluid communication, and the flowing from the described first refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe does not have Directly transmitted to the vacuum source with safeguarding flexible pipe into described second, and from the described second refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe Flowing does not enter into described first and directly transmitted with safeguarding flexible pipe to the vacuum source；And

Memory, the memory are used to store diagnostic software and operation software to operate the refrigerant recovery system.

2. refrigerant recovery system according to claim 1, it is characterised in that the refrigerant recovery system be configured to from The refrigeration system reclaims refrigerant.

3. refrigerant recovery system according to claim 1, it is characterised in that the refrigerant storage unit be configured to Refrigerant is supplied in the refrigerant filling path and the refrigerant is essentially free of water and lubricant.

4. refrigerant recovery system according to claim 1, it is characterised in that the refrigerant recovery system also includes：

Inputting interface, the inputting interface are configured to receive the input from user；And

Display screen, the display screen are configured to user's display information.

5. refrigerant recovery system according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described first safeguards flexible pipe and described second Safeguard that hose construction is fluidly coupled to the refrigeration system into by the refrigerant recovery system.

6. refrigerant recovery system according to claim 1, it is characterised in that the refrigeration system is arranged in vehicle.

7. a kind of refrigerant-recovery unit, the refrigerant-recovery unit includes：

Refrigerant storage unit, the refrigerant storage unit are configured to store refrigerant；

Refrigerant fills path, and the refrigerant fills path configuration into refrigerant transfer to refrigeration system is described to refill Refrigeration system, the refrigerant filling path include：

First safeguards couplings, and described first safeguards that couplings are arranged at the high side in the refrigerant filling path；And

Second safeguards couplings, and described second safeguards that couplings are arranged at the downside in the refrigerant filling path；

Flush path, the flush path are configured to receive the refrigerant flowing for being used for washing away the refrigerant filling path, institute Stating flush path includes：

First washes away couplings, and described first washes away couplings safeguards that couplings are in fluid communication with described first；And

Second washes away couplings, and described second washes away couplings safeguards that couplings are in fluid communication with described second；

Processor, the processor are configured to control the refrigerant-recovery unit to pass through to provide from the refrigerant storage unit Cross refrigerant filling path and reach the refrigerant flowing of the flush path, wherein, described first wash away couplings and Described second washes away couplings and vacuum fluid communication, and the flowing from the first refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe does not enter into Second directly transmits to the vacuum source with safeguarding flexible pipe, and the flowing from the described second refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe does not have Directly transmitted with safeguarding flexible pipe to the vacuum source into described first；And

Memory, the memory are used to store diagnostic software and operation software to operate the refrigerant-recovery unit.

8. refrigerant-recovery unit according to claim 7, it is characterised in that described first safeguards flexible pipe and described first Safeguard couplings and described first wash away couplings fluid communication.

9. refrigerant-recovery unit according to claim 8, it is characterised in that described first safeguards that flexible pipe and second is safeguarded Hose construction is fluidly coupled to the refrigeration system into by the refrigerant-recovery unit.

10. refrigerant-recovery unit according to claim 7, it is characterised in that the refrigerant-recovery unit is configured to Refrigerant is reclaimed from the refrigeration system.

11. refrigerant-recovery unit according to claim 7, it is characterised in that the refrigerant storage unit is configured to To refrigerant filling path supply refrigerant and the refrigerant is essentially free of water and lubricant.

12. refrigerant-recovery unit according to claim 7, it is characterised in that the refrigerant-recovery unit also includes：

Inputting interface, the inputting interface are configured to receive the input from user；And

Display screen, the display screen are configured to user's display information.

13. a kind of refrigerant-recovery unit, the refrigerant-recovery unit includes：

Refrigerant storage unit, the refrigerant storage unit are configured to store refrigerant；

Refrigerant fills path, and the refrigerant fills path configuration into refrigerant transfer to refrigeration system is described to refill Refrigeration system, the refrigerant filling path include：

Single controlled valve, the single controlled valve are arranged on the refrigerant storage unit and refrigerant filling path Between；

First safeguards couplings, and described first safeguards that couplings are arranged at the high side in the refrigerant filling path；And

Second safeguards couplings, and described second safeguards that couplings are arranged at the downside in the refrigerant filling path；

Flush path, the flush path are configured to receive the refrigerant flowing for being used for washing away the refrigerant filling path, institute Stating flush path includes：

First washes away couplings, and described first washes away couplings safeguards that couplings are in fluid communication with described first；And

Second washes away couplings, and described second washes away couplings safeguards that couplings are in fluid communication with described second；

Processor, the processor are configured to control the single controlled valve to provide from the refrigerant storage unit to pass through The refrigerant fills path and reaches the refrigerant flowing of the flush path, wherein, described first washes away couplings and institute State second and wash away couplings and vacuum fluid communication, and the flowing from the first refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe does not enter into Two are directly transmitted to the vacuum source with safeguarding flexible pipe, and the flowing from the described second refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe is not entered Enter described first directly to transmit with safeguarding flexible pipe to the vacuum source；And

Memory, the memory are used to store diagnostic software and operation software to operate the refrigerant-recovery unit.

14. a kind of method for washing away refrigerant recovery system, methods described comprise the steps：

Refrigerant filling path is fluidly coupled to first and safeguards flexible pipe；

Refrigerant filling path is fluidly coupled to second and safeguards flexible pipe；

Safeguard that flexible pipe is fluidly coupled to the first of flush path and washes away couplings by described first；

Safeguard that flexible pipe is fluidly coupled to the second of the flush path and washes away couplings by described second；

Using the processor control valve in the refrigerant recovery system, it is used to washing away the filling path, described the to provide One safeguard flexible pipe and described second safeguard flexible pipe refrigerant flowing, wherein, described first washes away couplings and described second Wash away couplings and vacuum fluid communication, and the flowing from the described first refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe do not enter into it is described Second directly transmits to the vacuum source with safeguarding flexible pipe, and the flowing from the described second refrigerant for safeguarding flexible pipe does not have Directly transmitted with safeguarding flexible pipe to the vacuum source into described first；And

By the refrigerant collecting from the flush path in the refrigerant recovery system.

15. according to the method for claim 14, it is characterised in that methods described is further comprising the steps of：

Pass through the flush path suction refrigeration agent using vacuum source.

16. according to the method for claim 15, it is characterised in that methods described is further comprising the steps of：

The valve is controlled to stop refrigerant flowing.

17. according to the method for claim 16, it is characterised in that methods described is further comprising the steps of：

It is controlled so as to stop the refrigerant flowing in response to the valve, continues through the flush path suction refrigeration agent.

18. according to the method for claim 14, it is characterised in that methods described is further comprising the steps of：

In response to refilling refrigeration system, wash away described first and safeguard that flexible pipe and described second safeguards flexible pipe.